McHugh’s nomination was this year’s only Beard presence for San Antonio. Austin was well represented, with three Southwest finalists: Kevin Fink of Emmer & Rye, Michael Fojtasek of Olamaie and Bryce Gilmore of Barley Swine.

San Antonio has come close to a Beard Award several times in the past. Finalists have included Bruce Auden of Biga on the Banks, Andrew Weissman of Le Rêve and Il Sogno Osteria fame and cookbook writers Melissa Guerra and Terry Thompson-Anderson.